Minwax Blend-Fil Pencils are paraffin wax touch-up pencils for shallow scratches and nail holes in wood that is already stained and finished. Minwax formulates each pencil color to match its Wood Finish stains, and the colors can be mixed for an in-between shade. Work the pencil into the scratch, wipe off the extra with a rag, and the repair is ready right away. Minwax lists them for furniture, antiques, woodwork, molding, cabinets, doors, paneling and accessories. We carry 6 of the colors. Everything on this page comes from Minwax's technical data sheet, safety data sheet, product page and product guide.
Blend-Fil colors we carry
| Pencil |
Matches these Minwax Wood Finish stains |
Minwax part # |
| #2 |
Bleached Woods, Natural |
110026666 |
| #3 |
Fruitwood, Golden Oak, Golden Pecan, Ipswich Pine, Puritan Pine, Weathered Oak |
110036666 |
| #6 |
Cherry, English Chestnut, Red Chestnut |
110066666 |
| #7 |
Red Mahogany, Red Oak |
110076666 |
| #8 |
Dark Walnut, Driftwood, Early American, Espresso, Provincial, Special Walnut |
110086666 |
| #9 |
Ebony, Jacobean |
110096666 |
Color matches are from the Minwax Product Guide color chart, which also maps each pencil to PolyShades, Gel Stain and Water-Based Wood Stain shades. Each pencil comes on a blister card.
Specs from Minwax
| Use on |
Shallow scratches, nail holes and small imperfections in stained and finished interior wood |
| When to apply |
After you stain, seal and/or topcoat; the surface must be clean and dry |
| Dry time |
Ready for immediate use |
| Made of |
Paraffin wax, per the safety data sheet (no signal word, no known significant hazards) |
| Cleanup |
Mineral spirits or paint thinner |
| Storage |
Do not store or use near open flame or a high heat source |
How to use it
Match the pencil to your stain color using the table above. Work the pencil point into the scratch, nail hole or crack, then wipe off the excess with a rag for what Minwax calls a durable, virtually undetectable repair. If one pencil is too light or too dark, blend material from two pencils. Minwax's data sheet says the pencils may cause slight irritation for people with sensitive skin, so wash your hands afterward and keep them away from children.
For bigger nail holes and gouges in finished wood, use Minwax Wood Putty, which is color-matched to the same stains. For bare wood, use a hardening filler; compare every option in wood filler and wood putty. Other touch-up options: Old Masters Putty Sticks and Old Masters Scratchide pens. Shop related: all Minwax and Minwax Wood Finish stain.
FAQ
What is a Blend-Fil pencil for?
Minwax says Blend-Fil pencils are for touch-up and repair of shallow scratches and nail holes in stained and finished wood such as furniture, cabinets, doors, trim and paneling.
Blend-Fil pencil or Wood Putty?
Both go on after the wood is stained and finished, and both are matched to Minwax Wood Finish stains. Use a Blend-Fil pencil for shallow scratches and small nail holes; use Wood Putty, applied with a putty knife, for nail holes, minor gouges and larger imperfections.
Which pencil matches my stain?
Find your Minwax Wood Finish color in the table above. For other brands, pick the pencil closest to the stain and test it in an out-of-sight spot; you can mix two pencils for an in-between color.
Do I need to seal over it?
Minwax's directions are to stain, seal and/or topcoat first, then fill with the pencil and wipe off the excess. Its data sheet does not call for a topcoat over the repair.
Can I return it?
Yes. We offer 30-day returns on unused, unopened items. Opened products can't be returned (refund policy).
Shipping is $5.99 on orders under $35 and free on orders of $35 or more, to the lower 48 states and DC (shipping policy).
Sources: Minwax Blend-Fil Pencil technical data sheet (dated 04/07, the current paintdocs version), Minwax Blend-Fil Pencil safety data sheet (rev. 5/3/2026), the Minwax Blend-Fil Pencil product page and the Minwax Product Guide color match chart.
